The new owners of the Nugget , seen here on Oct. 17, 2013, says the name will not change once they take over. Marilyn Newton/RGJ

Written by

Bill O?Driscoll
bodriscoll@rgj.com

Change is coming to John Ascuaga's Nugget under new ownership, its incoming boss said Thursday, but even he knows not to mess with something as iconic as the twin-towered hotel-casino's name.

"The core name will always be 'Nugget.' There's too much brand awareness in it," said Carlton Geer, managing partner of Global Gaming & Hospitality LLC, which last week announced it is acquiring the Nugget in Sparks for an undisclosed price after more than a half-century under the Ascuaga family's control.

"John Ascuaga understood he's a symbol of the community. He's allowed us to use his name for three ...